While the cause of the blast is being investigated, residents reported smelling gas before the explosion. Officials also responded to calls for a possible gas leak at the complex on July 25.

Police have said 110 people lived in that community. The people who died have not been identified the by police, but police said the dead were among the eight people who have not been accounted for.

Police have asked that anyone with information about these people’s whereabouts to call Montgomery County’s 311 telephone line (240-777-0311 if outside of the Montgomery County) or the police non-emergency line at 301-279-8000.

Editor’s note: This story was updated Monday to reflect that Oscar Armando Ochoa was found safe, and was not in the apartment complex at the time of the fire and explosion.

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